4003 - annoying mute.....

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 10:28 am

i got annoyed with thumb screws that work the mute, they dig into my hand when i play. I realised the mute is totally useless so i just removed the whole assembly from the tailpiece, anyone else done this?

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 11:45 am

I've seen some photos on the Web of 4001/4003 basses without the thumb screws, so I gather many players prefer to remove those. I for one don't, they wouldn't bother me none even if I played that way down by the bridge, which I don't. I'll admit I don't use the mute, though, mainly because it messes up intonation big time.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 12:04 pm

id use the mute for a laugh if it worked well, but its an "all or none" type thing, the strings are ringing or muted. too muted. and i cant imagine on stage or during rehearsal going "wait i need to screw the mute down"

rekesbass · Post by **rekesbass** » Thu Mar 20, 2003 6:29 am

yeah,I always thought that the mute was a little difficult to operate on the fly but, I don't use it, so it does'nt really matter...the one on my 4003(which is brand new)don't even make contact with the strings.even when it is at it's highest possible setting only the E and G strings get slightly muted...but again, I don't use it,so it does'nt matter..I do my muting with my hand..it always has the perfect amount and goes on and off instantly

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Thu Mar 20, 2003 12:42 pm

After I got my 4003 (my first RIC) and took off the treble pickup cover, the first week was a bit rough on the edge of my picking palm. I adapted a little and moved my picking hand 1/2" from the bridge. Everything's been fine since then.

Like Patrick, I hardly use the mute and do the muting with my picking palm. Works for me.

The mute's thumb screws are good-looking, so they stay.